Cocoa powder and cake market in Egypt

Earlier Report Observations

The Egyptian cocoa powder and cake market expanded steadily from 2018 to 2021, with volume growing from 19,448 tons to 26,916 tons and market value rising from 45.4 million dollars to 74.9 million dollars.

In 2022, market volume contracted to 22,094 tons, though the decline in value was less pronounced. The following year, volume stabilized around 21,760 tons while value climbed to 75.3 million dollars. This shift coincided with significant investments in chocolate production lines, including a 280 million dollar expansion by Mars Egypt, which strengthened the local processing infrastructure. Egypt's emergence as a notable chocolate exporter further stimulated demand for cocoa-based inputs.

By 2024, rising cocoa prices in Egypt affected production costs and consumer prices. Simultaneously, sales of hot beverages containing cocoa increased by 8.5%, reflecting sustained consumer interest. Evolving preferences towards high-quality cocoa powder and diet-friendly products continued to shape the market landscape.

Production cocoa powder and cake in Egypt

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of cocoa powder and cake, 2017-2020

World map of production of cocoa powder and cake, 2017-2020

Egypt's production of cocoa powder and cake reached 1 688 tonnes in 2019, marking the highest level in recent years. However, output fell sharply to 1 270 tonnes in 2020, representing a significant decline of 24.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 9.9%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1 143 tonnes. The most substantial increase occurred in 2019, with production rising by 47.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Egypt in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2019, the value of cocoa powder and cake production in Egypt peaked at 3 530 thousand US dollars. By 2020, this had dropped to 2 867 thousand US dollars, reflecting a notable decrease of 18.8% year-on-year. From 2017 to 2020, production value fell by 14.9%, averaging an annual decline of 5.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 619 thousand US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 22.3%, while the largest increase was in 2019, with a rise of 34.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Egypt in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports cocoa powder and cake from Egypt

Exports in kind, t

Egypt's exports of cocoa powder and cake declined for two consecutive years before showing a modest recovery. In 2019, exports hit their lowest point at 57 tonnes, marking a substantial decline of 53.6%. However, in 2020, exports increased slightly to 59 tonnes, representing a 2.8% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 71.3%, which equates to an average annual decline of 34.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Egypt in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Morocco, Kenya, and Libya were the primary destinations for Egypt's cocoa powder and cake exports in terms of volume. Morocco accounted for 25.0% of exports, Kenya for 20.5%, and Libya for 13.0%. Together, these three countries represented 58.5% of Egypt's total exports in kind during this period.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Egypt in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, Egypt's cocoa powder and cake exports in value terms showed an upturn. In 2019, exports reached their lowest point at 119 thousand US dollars, with a decline of 57.6%. In 2020, exports increased to 132 thousand US dollars, up by 11.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 72.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -35.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Egypt in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Morocco, Kenya, and Libya were the leading markets for Egypt's cocoa powder and cake exports in value terms. Morocco held a 24.1% share, Kenya 20.5%, and Libya 13.1%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 57.7% of Egypt's total export value during this timeframe.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Egypt in value, 2017-2020

Imports cocoa powder and cake to Egypt

Imports in kind, t

Egypt's imports of cocoa powder and cake have been on an upward trend for three consecutive years. In 2020, imports reached 23 845 tonnes, showing a moderate increase of 6.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 55.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Egypt in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Spain were the main sources of cocoa powder and cake imports to Egypt in terms of volume. Malaysia accounted for 29.6% of imports, the Netherlands for 16.8%, and Spain for 14.6%. Together, these three countries represented 61.0% of Egypt's total imports in kind during this period.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Egypt in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Egypt's imports of cocoa powder and cake in value terms have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 57 393 thousand US dollars, marking a strong rise of 16.0% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 56.9%, averaging an annual increase of 16.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Egypt in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Spain were the leading suppliers of cocoa powder and cake to Egypt in value terms. Malaysia held a 29.9% share, the Netherlands 17.1%, and Spain 14.7%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 61.7% of Egypt's total import value during this timeframe.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Egypt in value, 2017-2020